Four Veteran Service Organizations join 25 cosponsors in support of legislation that would provide veterans choice and flexibility in medical care

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), John McCain (R-AZ), Tom Coburn (R-OK), and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) today announced that four veterans service organizations (VSOs) – American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), AMVETS, and Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) – have endorsed the Veterans Choice Act. The bill has also acquired 25 cosponsors since it was introduced yesterday. Below are excerpts from the VSOs’ letters of support for the legislation:

“On behalf of the 2.4 million members of The American Legion, I would like to express our support for The Veterans Choice Act. This measure provides resources now to assist veterans being denied health care by lengthy wait times.” – Daniel Dellinger, National Commander of the American Legion

“This bill will serve an immediate need to increase VA service capacity by temporarily authorizing veterans to get quicker care from approved private and community providers if the VA cannot provide medical care to the veteran within a reasonable amount of time set by the VA or if the veteran would have to travel beyond a reasonable distance to receive VA care.” – Paul Rieckhoff, CEO and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

“[W]e heartily offer our support for your legislation, the Veterans Choice Act of 2014, which would give veterans increased health care choices and flexibility, improve transparency at the VA, and provide cultural changes within the VA, while simultaneously preserving the integrity of the overall VA health care system.”– Diane Zumatto, National Legislative Director of AMVETS National Legislative Director

The Veterans Choice Act provides veterans with more choice and flexibility, while bringing much-needed accountability and transparency to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Full text of the legislation is available here and a section-by-section summary is here.